WILMINGTON — After missing last the last three games due to stitches above his right eye, Bruins forward Shawn Thornton said he hopes to return to the lineup Wednesday night against the Islanders. The stitches, of which there were approximately 40, will be removed before the game, and Thornton said he just needs medical clearance and the OK from Claude Julien.

“I think so, but I’m not 100 percent [sure],” Thornton said Tuesday of the possibility of him returning.

“We’ll figure it out tomorrow,” Julien said. “He’s day-to-day and that hasn’t changed. We’ll see tomorrow and make a decision on him, whether he’s capable of jumping in our lineup or not.”

Thornton began skating without a shield on Monday and participated in Tuesday’s proactice with linemates Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille.